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This paper explores China's strategies for addressing climate change on the industrial level. Focusing on six energy-intensive industries, this paper applies gray relational analysis theory to the affecting factors to CO emissions of each industry after calculating each industry's CO emissions during 2001-2010. Further research based on GM(1, 1) model is conducted to forecast the trend of the factors, the energy consumption and each industry's CO emissions during the 12th Five-Year Plan period. As a breakthrough in previous conclusions, energy consumption structure was divided into the respective proportion of coal, oil, natural gas and electricity in the primary energy consumption, with which industrial output and energy intensity are combined to analyze each of their impacts on the energy-intensive industries. It turns out that all the factors' impacts on emissions of the six major energy-intensive industries are significant, despite their differentiated extents. It is worth noting that, contrary to previous findings, industrial output is not the leading affecting factor to CO emissions of the energy-intensive industries compared with the proportion of coal and electricity in the primary energy consumption. The GM(1, 1) forecast results of energy consumption and CO emissions by the end of 2015 show that coal and electricity will remain a large proportion in primary energy consumption. This research may shed some light on China's adjustment of energy structure under the pressure of addressing climate change and hence provide decision support for the acceleration of renewable energy utilization in the industrial departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European greenhouse horticulture represents one of the most intensive energy sector in agriculture and strongly contributes to increase the energy and environmental vulnerability within regions having a large greenhouse farming systems. Specifically, the European greenhouse farming sector is facing a trend that responds to the changing consumer's demands in a society that, globally, is increasingly affluent but more aware about some negative consequences, such as high energy-demand processes, and CO2 emissions. About 200,000 hectares of greenhouses in Spain, Italy, The Netherlands and Greece is the estimated covered surface, with not less than 3.4 MTOE of energy consumption and 9.2 MtCO2eq, and an yearly economy value of 7 billions of Euros. The installed energy power load of greenhouses in Europe depends on local climate conditions, and varies from 50-150 W/m2 (Southern regions of Europe) to 200-280 W/m2 (Northern and Central regions), while complete conditioning could even reach an energy load of 400 W/m2 (heating, lighting, cooling). Nowadays, the proportion of renewable use in the total energy consumption of greenhouse farming in Europe is very low, and there are no clear priorities set in this area, yet. Comprehensive and complete studies that evaluate the opportunities of renewable options in greenhouse sector are still not completeted. This, strongly hinders the process of setting concrete goals and legislative targets to support a wider introduction of sustainable energy technology, and appropriate legislation in greenhouse regions of Europe. This paper deals with the proposal of supporting the organization of a sustainable greenhouse agriculture, based on renewable energy sources, i.e. geothermal energy at low temperature, photovoltaic solar energy and solid biomass, in tune with the specific local assets, the local geo-climatic conditions and the protection of landscapes rather than with a careless perspective for local environment and potential societal costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world's population grows, the energy demand continues to rise due to advancements in technology and the impact of globalization. The finite nature of traditional energy sources has accelerated the shift toward renewable energy, particularly in developing countries where environmental degradation and declining quality of life are significant concerns. This study delves into the interplay between urbanization, carbon dioxide emissions, economic growth, and renewable energy production in Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation member states, providing new insights into the energy market. By using annual data from 1995 to 2020 and advanced panel cointegration tests, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the determinants of renewable energy for developing countries. The findings show a substantial and long-term relationship between urbanization, emissions, growth, and renewable energy production. These findings have important implications for policymakers and underscore the critical role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy sectors of all the countries around the world are faced with a big challenge: the energy transition under the imperative of continuous reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The energy transition and the sustainability constraints pose a significant challenge for engineers, researcher and scientists developing new and clean energy-efficient technologies. Energy production and transformations, along with its storage, distribution and consumption, are achieved by utilising new and clean energy technologies, with the goal of the continuous increase of energy efficiency, the growth of renewable energy sources utilisation, the uninterrupted switch from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources, and the continued reduction of CO2 emissions. This editorial paper addresses the latest progress and the findings in research and developments in the sustainable energy technologies, energy and environment systems from selected papers of the conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems held in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper evaluates domestic energy consumption patterns in a hot and arid climate, using a multiple case study approach localised in Riyadh city (Saudi Arabia). Riyadh has a characteristically hot and dry climate, and is situated in a geographical region known for its high energy consumption and carbon emission rates. Six properties were selected: three typical houses and three typical flats. The objective is to analyse the average domestic energy consumption of each property using data collected from monthly electricity bills; this usage is then assessed with reference to user behaviour, as captured through interviews with the occupiers of the properties, so as to assist in creating a detailed energy use simulation model using IES-VE software. The results are discussed with reference to both the form and fabric of the selected properties and user behaviour, thereby identifying obvious design weaknesses, which then serve to highlight regionally replicable energy retrofitting solutions (i.e. shading devices, onsite renewable energy sources, and more efficient glazing). To explore these various solutions further, additional IES-VE simulations are conducted that suggest potential energy consumption reductions in the range of 15%–34%. In light of these findings, recommendations that have the potential to be replicable across the region are given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Climate change has become the most globally concerned environmental issue. As the world's largest carbon dioxide emitter and primary energy consumer, China has strong incentives to change its coal-dominated electricity structure. Various renewable powers such as wind and solar are suitable and necessary options for carbon emission reduction. The 12th Five-Year (2011–2015) and the mid-term until 2020 are critical periods for the development of Chinese renewable powers. In this paper individual renewable electricity sources were introduced based on their characteristics. Based on the introduction, the targets as well as their effects in the medium and long-term were presented and explained; challenges China has to face in the periods were discussed in detail, and emphasis was put on hydro, solar and wind power, which is highlighted in the plans. Also solutions against these challenges were recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The residential sector is recognized as a major energy consumer and thus a significant contributor to climate change. Rather than focus only on current energy consumption and the associated emissions, there is a need to broaden sustainability research to include full life cycle contributions and impacts. This paper looks at houses from the perspective of the ecological footprint (EF), a well-known sustainability indicator. Exemplifying single-detached houses of the early 20th century, the century-old REEP House (downtown Kitchener, Canada), together with its high performance energy retrofits, is examined in detail. This research combines material, energy and carbon emission studies. Its scope covers the life cycle of the house, including the direct and indirect consumption of material and energy, and concomitant carbon emissions during its stages of material extraction, transportation, construction, operation, and demolition. It is revealed that the REEP House had a typical impact on the environment when it was built, and, even though the renovations to improve energy efficiency by 80% introduce additional embodied environmental impacts, they are environmentally sound activities because the environmental payback period is less than 2years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the possibility for Thailand to become a low-carbon society (LCS). The methodology involves development of current CO2emission inventory, and quantification of socio-economic activity level in 2030. In this study, the increase of CO2 emissions is estimated based on i) 2030 BAU (business-as-usual) without mitigation measures, and ii) 2030 CM (climate change mitigation measures) assumptions of employed demand-side technologies as well as the potential to reduce the CO2 emissions by low-carbon measures available during 2005–2030. In this study, only selected climate change mitigation options, which have been found to be cost effective, are included in the 2030 CM scenario. Several comprehensive demand-side measures such as diffusion of low-carbon technologies in the residential sector, energy efficient buildings, energy efficient industry and fuel switching, and fuel substitution in the transport sector are proposed. Results show that i) the annual CO2 emissions in the base year of 2005 are 185,983kilo-ton (kt) of CO2, ii) under the scenario without climate change mitigation measures (the BAU scenario), year 2030 CO2 emissions would increase to 563,730kt-CO2 or 3.03 times that of the base year 2005, and iii) by adopting the selected climate change mitigation measures, CO2 emissions can be decreased approximately 28.4% compared to the 2030 BAU scenario, i.e. to 403,642kt-CO2. The research findings hope to contribute to sustainable energy and environmental transition of Thailand, one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, towards a Thai low carbon society. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Energy Sector is facing its biggest upheaval. Governments around the globe are discussing the best way to combat climate change. Different mechanisms and policies have been introduced to reach a global carbon dioxide reduction of up to 80% by 2050, based on 1990 emission levels. The difficulties in applying different instruments at the same time are often not considered in the discussion of different instruments. However to achieve an effective and efficient reduction of emissions, a look at the whole bundle of instruments and their interrelationship is necessary when future regulations are discussed. This paper will critically assess the effects and the interrelationship of ETS, EPS and feed in tariffs from a European perspective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper identifies the main features of CO2 emission from fossil energy combustion in China. Then it estimates China''s future energy requirements and projects its CO2 emission from 2010 to 2020 based on the scenario analysis approach. China''s rate of carbon productivity growth is estimated to be 5.4% in the period 2005–2020, while the CO2 intensity of GDP will reduce by about 50% but CO2 emission in 2020 will still be about 40% higher than prevailing in 2005 because of rapid growth of GDP. This estimation is based on the assumption that China will implement a sustainable development strategy in consideration of climate change issues. The main objectives of the strategy are to implement an “energy conservation first” strategy, to develop renewable energy and advanced nuclear technology actively, to readjust the country''s economic structure, and to formulate and legislate laws and regulations, and to build institutions for energy conservation and development of renewable energy. It concludes that international measures to mitigate CO2 emission will limit world fossil fuel consumption. China is not placed to replicate the modernization model adopted by developed countries and has to coordinate economic development and carbon dioxide emission control while still in the process of industrialization and modernization. China has to evolve a low carbon industrialization model. This is the key to the success of sustainable development initiatives in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Energy efficiency provides substantial carbon dioxide emissions reduction. • Renewable energy sources substantially influences carbon dioxide emissions. • Substantively, renewable energy is slightly more effective than energy efficiency. • Affluence tampers the effectiveness of energy efficiency and renewable energy. This study examines the comparative effectiveness of two important proposed solutions to climate change—energy efficiency improvement and the development and use of renewable energy sources. We focus specifically on their impacts on carbon dioxide emissions by conducting fixed effects regression analysis of panel data pertaining to U.S. states. The analysis reveals a negative relationship between both remedies and carbon dioxide emissions. Although the effects of these potential solutions are statistically equivalent, renewable energy production has a slight edge. Reflecting upon these findings and the larger environmental problem, we caution against exclusive reliance on efficiency improvement and renewable energy to the neglect of other important actions, such as lifestyle modifications. A broad range of social changes, which incorporate the remedies investigated in this paper, are needed to limit long-term global temperature increases to the desired level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 1980 and 2007, in the Chinese building sector in urban and rural areas, coal was mainly substituted with electricity and natural gas. Growing income will further increase energy consumption and CO-emissions in the building sector. Using an econometric model, disaggregated energy demand and related CO-emissions in the residential sector as well for the whole economy are estimated and forecasted until 2050. In 2009, the Chinese government pledged itself to reduce CO-intensity by 40%-45% in 2020 compared to 2005. Aim of this article is to assess to which extent the measures in the building sector in China can contribute to this target. Main results of the analysis are: (a) The primary energy source coal was mainly substituted by electricity generated with coal. Apart from convenience gains, the environmental advantages are questionable. (b) Between 2010 and 2050, energy demand in the building sector will grow by 2.0%-4.1% per annum leading to CO-emissions at least almost tripling from about 560 mill. tons in 2010 to about 1,500 mill. tons in 2050. (c) The energy efficiency gains in the building sector and other sectors of the Chinese economy, however, are not enough to fulfill the national CO-intensity targets. The reduction of the CO-intensity of GDP would be 37.2% in the BAU-scenario, and 31.9% in the LOW-scenario. Only in the HIGH-scenario (46.3%), the economy is growing efficient enough relative to the induced CO-emissions. The remaining CO2-emission reductions could be gained by additional promotion of renewable energies (mainly solar and geo-thermal) in the building sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]